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Search Rescue Jobs in British Columbia (NOW HIRING)

CC-295 Sensor Operator Instructor

Comox, BC ยท On-site

CA$91K - CA$136K/yr

CAE is seeking instructors to join the CAE team at 19 Wing Comox to train Canada's next generation of Fixed-Wing Search & Rescue (FWSAR) aircrew. If you flourish in a team dynamic with the challenges ...

Our simulators train the next generation of pilots for fighter jets, transporters and search and rescue helicopters. And, together, each and every member of our aerospace team makes a difference.

Search Rescue information

See British Columbia salary details

$16.5K

$56.7K

$115.5K

How much do search rescue jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for search rescue in British Columbia is $56,677.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,000.00 and $70,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Search Rescue vs Search and Rescue Technician?

AspectSearch RescueSearch and Rescue Technician
CertificationsFirst aid, CPR, basic rescue trainingAdvanced rescue certifications, technical rescue training
Work EnvironmentOutdoor, varied terrains, emergency situationsOutdoor, technical rescue scenarios, often specialized
Employer & IndustryGovernment agencies, NGOs, militaryEmergency services, specialized rescue teams
Search & Comparison IntentGeneral search and rescue rolesTechnical rescue operations, specialized skills

Search Rescue involves basic to intermediate rescue efforts in outdoor environments, often performed by volunteers or general emergency personnel. Search and Rescue Technicians typically have advanced training and perform technical rescues in complex scenarios. While both roles focus on saving lives, Search and Rescue Technicians require specialized skills and certifications for technical rescue operations.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in search and rescue roles, and how can new team members prepare for them?

Search and Rescue professionals often encounter physically demanding environments, unpredictable weather, and high-stress situations requiring quick decision-making. New team members should be prepared for irregular hours, including nights and weekends, and the need to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams such as emergency medical personnel and local law enforcement. Building strong physical fitness, staying current on technical rescue skills, and developing effective communication abilities are key to overcoming these challenges and contributing successfully to the team.

What are jobs in search and rescue?

Jobs in search & rescue, often abbreviated to SAR, involve supervising, training, planning, and coordinating SAR missions and crews that provide on-call support for emergencies and disasters. The duties and responsibilities of these jobs focus on directing staff during rescue efforts as well as volunteers who are helping search for missing people. These positions are found in law enforcement, national parks, the military, and even some non-profit organizations. SAR missions involve using planes, boats, or other exploration devices to traverse terrain, track signals, and otherwise locate people who need rescuing. Job qualifications include strong leadership and communication skills.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a search and rescue professional?

To thrive as a Search and Rescue professional, you need strong physical fitness, situational awareness, and knowledge of emergency response procedures, often backed by certifications such as EMT or wilderness first responder. Familiarity with GPS navigation, radio communication equipment, and rescue tools like ropes and stretchers is essential. Excellent teamwork, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills in this field. These skills ensure effective coordination, quick decision-making, and successful outcomes in high-stress, life-saving situations.

What is a search and rescue professional?

Search and Rescue (SAR) professionals are trained individuals who locate and assist people who are lost, injured, or in danger, often in remote or hazardous environments. Their work may involve searching for missing hikers, rescuing disaster victims, or providing emergency medical assistance. SAR teams can include volunteers and professionals from various backgrounds such as law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical services, and the military. Their operations often require specialized skills like navigation, first aid, and survival techniques. These professionals play a crucial role in responding to emergencies and saving lives.
Infographic showing various Search Rescue job openings in British Columbia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,677 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

CC-295 Sensor Operator Instructor

Caeus

Comox, BC โ€ข On-site

CA$91K - CA$136K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 hours ago


Job description

All for equipping teams to excel. Training Centre Operations at CAE lies at the heart of our commitment to training excellence across Civil Aviation and Defense & Security. As part of this team, you'll develop and provide training, continually enhance program quality, and ensure seamless operations and service excellence, empowering pilots, aircrew, and mission-critical teams to excel when it matters most. Behind the scenes, you play a vital role in equipping them with the skills and readiness they need to succeed-through every moment, milestone, and mission. With a team that values growth, collaboration, and a shared sense of purpose, CAE offers a dynamic environment where your contributions to training create a lasting impact on the future of safety and readiness worldwide.

CAE is seeking instructors to join the CAE team at 19 Wing Comox to train Canada's next generation of Fixed-Wing Search & Rescue (FWSAR) aircrew. If you flourish in a team dynamic with the challenges presented by changing technologies that influence mission capability and execution, you may be a great fit on the CAE team. You will experience and realize opportunities to innovate and use state-of-the-art tools to collaborate with experts from various sectors. CAE seeks individuals wanting to join a world-class company and industry leader and contribute to their mission and projects.

** We're always on the lookout for top talent. Submit your application and be among the first to be considered for upcoming roles. **

Description
  • Work independently and respond to a broad scope of customer requirements to achieve team goals.

  • Deliver academic presentations to customers.

  • Conduct Servicing and Elementary Work training.

  • Deliver TACCO and Sensor Operator training programs incorporating academic/theoretical instruction and synthetic environments such as flight simulators and other groundbased training devices.

  • Contribute to the development of courseware and teaching aids.

  • Ensure that training programs are consistent with training objectives and teaching points as specified in the applicable Training Plan and Quality Standard.

  • Assess, document, and report student progress, issues, and deficiencies relative to course delivery.

  • Provide oral and written ACSO and AESOP Subject Matter Expertise (SME) support to the program and Training Centre team as required.

  • Compile student training progress and course debrief reports.

  • Perform occasional travel in support of CAE projects, including overtime as required.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Eligibility to work in Canada as a Canadian Citizen, Permanent Resident, or valid Work Permit holder.

  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Controlled Goods Clearance and Government of Canada Level II security clearance.

  • Experience as a military ACSO, AESOP, or Air Navigator.

  • Experience as a SAR crewmember (any aircraft type).

  • Experience as an AbInitio or OTU Instructor.

  • Superior interpersonal and communication skills.

  • Physically able to work in confined spaces such as flight training devices.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Formal training in instructional delivery.

  • Familiarity with Quality Standards, Training Plans, and training media used to ensure Teaching Points are met per Training Standards.

  • Experience authoring and amending multimedia instructional courseware.

  • Verbal French language skills suitable to instruct in French.

  • Airbus 295 aircraft experience.

Benefits
  • An environment where your initiatives will be recognized and valued

  • The opportunity to work on a variety of projects on a multidisciplinary team

  • The possibility to work from home occasionally

  • Flexible schedules

  • Attractive employee benefits

Base Pay Range

Our total rewards package includes base pay and benefits, with final compensation determined by experience, skill, location, and internal equity.

$91,000 to $136,400

About CAE

At CAE, our mission is clear: to help make the world a safer place. For nearly 80 years, we've driven innovation in simulation, training, and mission readiness to support critical operations worldwide. By leveraging advanced technologies, we empower our customers to operate smarter, faster, and more sustainably. Join a purpose-driven organization where bold ideas are encouraged, collaboration drives progress, and your growth fuels our shared success.

Position TypeRegularEqual Opportunity & Accommodations

CAE is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants, regardless of race, nationality, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, neurodiversity, veteran status, age, or other characteristics protected by law. We encourage applicants who may not meet every qualification to apply. Reasonable accommodations are available-contact your recruiter or email CAECarrieres-Careers@cae.com if needed.

Data Privacy

Privacy Statement | CAE

CAE thanks all applicants for their interest. However, only those whose background and experience match the requirements of the role will be contacted.